Colby Covington asked for a fight against No. 3 ranked welterweight Demian Maia and got what he wanted. He then faced Maia in hostile territory in Maia’s hometown of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Maia entered the bout coming off a decision loss to champion Tyron Woodley and was hoping to rebound and remain in title contention. It wasn’t to be.
Covington, ten years younger than the 39-year-old Maia, kept a high pace and stuffed every one of the three-time jiu-jitsu world champion’s takedown attempts. Maia had success early with his striking, opening up a cut over Covington’s right eye. As the fight played out, Maia faded and Covington kept the pressure on.
In the second frame, Maia urgently worked to get the fight to the ground but was unsuccessful.